"WINDS OF PEACE"

A former Saddam Hussein-era general appointed by the Americans to lead an Iraqi security force in the rebellious Sunni stronghold of Fallujah urged tribal elders and sheiks Sunday to support U.S. efforts to stabilize Iraq.

Retired Maj. Gen. Mohammed Abdul-Latif rose to prominence after battles last month between the Marines and insurgents hunkered down in the central city of Fallujah.

''We can make [Americans] use their rifles against us or we can make them build our country, it's your choice,'' Latif told a gathering of more than 40 sheiks, city council members and imams in a Fallujah suburb.

After the meeting, Latif said the situation in Fallujah has greatly improved, that ''winds of peace'' prevail in the city.